20 easiest city-to-city train trips in the US

Posted on by Travel Guide
Acela train stops

Passenger trains provide a convenient, stress-free, and nostalgic way to travel between major U.S. cities. Business commutes, day trips and weekend getaways by rail are especially easy along the East Coast, West Coast, and in Florida, where frequent service and centrally located stations make city exploration easy.

To see where you can go, view the easiest city-to-city train trips in the United States below listed from shortest to longest travel time. Top things to see and do in each destination is also provided so you can make the most of your trip.

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Orlando-Winter Park (15-20 minutes)

SunRail and Amtrak provide rail service between vibrant Orlando and charming Winter Park, making day trips and weekend excursions easy. In Orlando, the SunRail Church Street stop stop is ideal, with bars, live entertainment, Lake Eola, and the Orange County Regional History Center nearby. In Winter Park, you’ll arrive in a walkable area near the Saturday farmers market, excellent restaurants, and The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.

Winter Park

Orlando

Philadelphia-Wilmington (20 minutes)

Travel time between Philadelphia and Wilmington is just 20 minutes on Amtrak, making it an ideal day trip. Philadelphia’s downtown is full of historic sites, museums, and great food. Wilmington has a relaxed riverfront, green spaces, and museums. Rideshare and Philadelphia’s bike share program are great transportation options.

Philadelphia

  • Go on a food tour
  • Hang out along the waterfront
  • Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
  • Learn about the city’s history on a pub crawl

Wilmington

Boston-Providence (30 minutes)

Amtrak and the MBTA Providence/Stoughton Line connect Boston and Providence, two walkable cities with colonial charm and many Italian restaurants. The Freedom Trail and museums are a must-do in Boston, while Providence offers a thriving art and food scene, scenic riverwalk, and a ferry to Newport.

Boston

Providence

Miami-Fort Lauderdale (30 minutes)

Florida’s Brightline offers high-speed train travel between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The 30-minute ride is traffic-free and convenient. In Fort Lauderdale, rideshare is ideal for exploring the city while the Miami station is within walking distance of waterfront parks, museums, Bayside Marketplace and the Miami Heat arena.

Tours & activities

Raleigh-Durham (30 minutes)

Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont routes make traveling between Raleigh and Durham quick and convenient. Part of the Research Triangle, both cities offer cultural, historic, and culinary attractions. Raleigh, the state capital, is known for museums, parks, and breweries. Durham features a thriving arts scene (the Carolina Theatre is a short walk from the station), the historic tobacco district, and the prestigious Duke University campus.

Tours & activities

Los Angeles-Anaheim (30 minutes)

Amtrak and Metrolink trains run frequently between Los Angeles and Anaheim. This stress-free route provides access to Disneyland, California Adventure Park, Anaheim Convention Center, Olvera Street and downtown Los Angeles without driving.

Tours & activities

DC-Baltimore (30-40 minutes)

Avoid traffic by riding a MARC or Amtrak train between two of the most historic cities on the East Coast: Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Tourists can explore D.C.’s monuments and museums and travel to Baltimore to visit Fort McHenry and the National Aquarium. Rideshare is a great option in both cities. Plus, you can transfer to a red line WMATA train in Washington D.C.’s Union Station to get around without a car.

Tours & activities

Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach (40 minutes)

It’s a 40-minute Brightline ride between two of South Florida’s top cities: Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Visit Fort Lauderdale for beaches, boat rides, and nightlife. In West Palm Beach, check out Clematis Street’s dining and entertainment along with upscale malls, museums, art galleries and events.

Tours & activities

Detroit-Ann Arbor (45 minutes)

You can travel between Detroit and Ann Arbor on Amtrak’s Wolverine route in about 45 minutes. Detroit is known for its rich automotive history, world-class museums like the Detroit Institute of Arts, a revitalized riverfront, and vibrant music scene. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, offers a lively college town atmosphere with eclectic dining and scenic outdoor spaces like Nichols Arboretum.

Tours & activities

Hartford-New Haven (50 minutes)

In less than an hour, you can travel between two distinct Connecticut cities on Amtrak. Hartford, the state capital, is known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and cultural attractions, such as the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and the Mark Twain House & Museum. New Haven, home to Yale University, is a lively college town with world-class dining, must-visit museums, and scenic waterfront areas along Long Island Sound.

Tours & activities

Seattle-Tacoma (50-60 minutes)

Amtrak and Sounder commuter trains provide a scenic journey between Seattle and Tacoma in 50–60 minutes. Seattle is known for the Space Needle, Pike Place Market (check out the tasting tour), and a thriving food and coffee scene. Tacoma has a mix of cultural attractions and waterfront charm, including the Museum of Glass, LeMay – America’s Car Museum, and the revitalized Tacoma Waterfront.

Tours & activities

San Diego-Carlsbad (1 hour)

Pacific Surfliner and COASTER trains make it easy to travel between downtown San Diego and Carlsbad. From Carlsbad, you can hop on a train to visit San Diego’s world-famous zoo, Balboa Park, the historic Gaslamp Quarter and even Coronado Island via ferry. From San Diego, trains are a convenient way to visit LEGOLAND California and beaches in Carlsbad. Note that if you’re flying into the San Diego Airport, the closest train station is San Diego Old Town; use it to reach Carlsbad and beach communities north of San Diego.

Tours & activities

San Francisco-San Jose (1 hour)

Caltrain connects the popular cities of San Francisco and San Jose in about one hour. Must-see San Francisco attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge and its vibrant neighborhoods, while San Jose offers The Tech Interactive, Winchester Mystery House, and a thriving downtown arts and dining scene. Note that the express train offers the fastest travel time, but there are additional trains with slightly longer travel times if you need flexibility.

Tours & activities

Dallas-Fort Worth (1 hour)

For train travel between Dallas and Fort Worth, plan a trip on the Trinity Railway Express. There are multiple departures each day, making day trips easy. In Dallas, you can explore the large arts district and attractions like the Sixth Floor Museum and the Reunion Tower observation deck. In Fort Worth, the historic Stockyards, top-rated museums and lively downtown are a must-do.

Tours & activities

Chicago-Milwaukee (1.5 hours)

Trains on Amtrak’s Hiawatha route travel between Chicago and Milwaukee multiple times each day. Chicago is renowned for its striking architecture, world-class museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, famous theater scene, and diverse dining from deep-dish pizza to steak. Milwaukee is full of breweries, lively festivals like Summerfest, historic neighborhoods, and lakefront parks.

Tours & activities

Charlotte-Greensboro (1.5 hours)

Explore North Carolina with a train trip between Charlotte and Greensboro. Charlotte, the state’s largest city, attracts visitors with NASCAR races, museums, and lively downtown dining and entertainment scene. Greensboro offers a mix of history and culture, including the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, Greensboro Science Center, and a charming downtown full of shops and cafes. Note that the Charlotte Amtrak station is not in the city center, so plan to use Lyft or Uber after you arrive.

Tours & activities

Philadelphia-Washington DC (1.5 hours)

Multiple Amtrak routes connect the birthplace of America (Philadelphia) with the nation’s capital (Washington, D.C.). Both cities are rich in museums, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions, making this train trip ideal for tourists eager to explore East Coast sights. Locals can enjoy a change of scenery, with opportunities to check out events, restaurants, and neighborhoods in both cities.

Tours & activities

Syracuse-Rochester (1.5 hours)

Choose from three Amtrak routes to travel by train between Syracuse and Rochester. In Syracuse, you can attend the New York State Fair, visit the Erie Canal Museum and go shopping at Destiny USA. Rochester’s must-see attractions include the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, and the scenic Genesee Valley Park.

Tours & activities

Philadelphia-New York City (1.5 hours)

You can travel between two of America’s largest cities in about 1.5 hours on Amtrak. This trip is ideal for tourists, with must-see Philadelphia landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, plus iconic sights in New York City. Multiple daily trains make day excursions possible.

Tours & activities

Philadelphia-Atlantic City (1 hour 40 minutes)

Ride NJ Transit between Philadelphia and Atlantic City for a classic East Coast experience. Philadelphia has historic landmarks, world-class museums and year-round events. Atlantic City is famous for its iconic boardwalk, casinos, beaches, and entertainment options. This train trip makes it easy to combine culture, history, and seaside fun in a single day or weekend getaway.

Tours & activities

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